How to make use of your community pharmacies

Boots is increasingly rolling out its services, from blood pressure checks to jabs, to support the NHS. Here pharmacist Aimi Dickinson tells how you can benefit from the changes ...

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Community pharmacists are playing a bigger role in primary care than ever. Pharmacies are no longer a place where people come just to collect their prescriptions.

People can now get on-demand healthcare advice from highly qualified pharmacists, a diagnosis as well as prescription-only treatments for common conditions, and access to preventative services like blood pressure checks and vaccinations.

A large proportion of these vital services are delivered on behalf of the NHS, and we are incredibly proud of that - especially at a time when the NHS is under significant pressure, with waiting lists of 7.4 million patients and demand for GP appointments outstripping capacity.

As deputy superintendent pharmacist at Boots, I've seen first hand the benefits of more healthcare services on the high street.

Since rolling out the scheme in January 2024, Boots has delivered over one million NHS Pharmacy First consultations in England, potentially saving as many GP appointments.

According to research, nearly nine in 10 adults who have accessed the service reported a positive experience, citing convenience and speed as key benefits, which chimes with what our patients tell us in our stores across the country.

Despite knowing that pharmacists can advise on, diagnose and treat a range of common health conditions, 40% of UK adults say their GP remains their first port of call when they seek help.